Is Fibromyalgia Progressive?

Doctors do not consider fibromyalgia a progressive condition, but people living with it tend to disagree.

Watch the video above for some tips on limiting the feeling that things are getting worse over time, or read the written summary below.

Recurring fibromyalgia flare-ups make many of us feel like things are getting worse over time. Our bodies may not technically be deteriorating, but we still feel like our quality of life is getting steadily worse.

Here are five things you can do to limit that feeling of degeneration.

1. Keep Track of Your Flares

It’s important to really know your body. Keep a diary and be sure to note your flare-ups. You’ll start to notice patterns that will help predict, and maybe even avoid, flare-ups.

2. Pace Yourself

It’s important to keep active, but it’s equally important that you don’t push yourself too hard.

Don’t try to cram as much as possible into a “good day.” Take your time, slow down, and find a level of activity that doesn’t throw you into a flare-up.

3. Try New Things

It’s easy to become frustrated and cynical about trying new treatments, but keep trying. Be systematic in your approach and document the new things you try, so you can really tell if they have made a difference.

4. Look After Your Mind

That feeling that everything is getting worse is an emotional response to extreme pain and fatigue. Acknowledge the emotional side of fibromyalgia, and work on improving your mental health.

Do simple things that bring you joy — whatever takes you to your happy place, do it.

If the struggle runs deeper, seek help from a therapist.

5. Find a Support Network

They say a problem shared is a problem halved. Talking won’t take away your condition, but it will help ease the pain.

Make sure you have people in your life who can help you through some of the more difficult times. Those people may be your partner, family, closest friends, or even virtual friends.

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Facebook Comments

August 29

It depends on the climate. In dry desert locale I have mild pain. In high humidity locales I am almost an invalid and getting worse.

August 27

The flare ups are what hurt so bad, especially when a cold front comes through and it rains is when I hurt the most😞 I can’t stand cold weather- my muscles seem to draw up and that makes it hurt worse😞

August 27

Anyone else feel like they are moving their limbs through heavy mud? Also, after being sweaty, do you feel like your skin is being pricked by thousands of tiny painful needles? These are a few of my newer symptoms. My struggle has lasted over 20 years now and actually seems worse since losing…

August 28

You are the first person to describe exactly how I feel...walking through heavy mud. My family tells me that I walk slow and I don't realize that.

August 27

No matter if I keep movement or take it easy sucks!! But I'm still going for the movement!!

August 27

No. Advertiser sponsored Click bait and social media make it seem like there are "stages". It FEELS like progression due to deconditioning, aging, weight gain, lifestyle choices, stress, med side effects, individual pain tolerance levels, resilience skills, mental health status, support systems,…

Sure feels like it😰 I hurt more now than I did at first. Been living with this for 20 years

August 28

I hurt worse now too . Had this for the past twenty- six years . Any sudden change in the weather makes me hurt . When it is about to rain my body goes crazy . I can not tolerate the heat at all, it just wipes me out .

September 1

What are the names of these doctors and do THEY have Fibromyalgia, to speak from experience??